Make the most of your off-road excursions with this smooth-riding trail machine. With a lightweight yet durable ALUXX aluminum frame, 4 inches of rear suspension travel and a plush suspension fork, Yukon FX can take whatever the terrain dishes out.
SR Suntour XCM V3, 100mm suspension fork,
Giant Air rear shock
Using a simple but elegant aluminum chassis, the Giant Yukon FX comes equipped with Hayes MX-4 mechanical disc brakes (front and rear) and Truvativ ISO Flow 3.0 cranks. Shifters are SRAM (SX4) as is the rear derailleur. SRAM also provides the 8-speed cassette (PG830) while the front derailleur comes in the form of Shimano’s budget-friendly Alivio line. Continue reading →
Strengths: This bike has taken pretty much everything XC/AM I can throw at it. The frame, rear suspension, brake components, wheelset and most of the drivetrain have been trouble free except for normal wear and tear.
Weaknesses: The bike is on the heavy side. The stock front coil shock did not hold up and I recently replaced that. The seat only has a single bolt clamp and that has become problematic not staying tight, so that had to be replaced. The stock Kenda Small Block tires were really bad in anything wet/muddy, but probably fine for dry/hard-pack conditions and or road riding. They had to go too.
Bottom Line:
This is a XC bike by design. Its not a downhill bomber. Depending on your definition of All-Mountain, I think it fits that bill. I've gone through things like brake pads, tires, rear derailleurs, spokes, etc. But I view these all as standard wear and tear in a rough sport like MTB'ing. Just the front fork and the seat are items I felt were sub-par. This is a great price tag for a full-suspension bike. I bought it used on Craigslist for $650 from someone who tried MTB'ing and found it wasn't their thing. It was about 3 months old and mint.
Strengths: Versatility, weight, suspension, durability, and PRICE!
Comfortable geometry too, but that's an opinion
Weaknesses: Stock fork is not so great, stock pedals are bad, no rear-lockout, and it's not so good for road riding.
Bottom Line:
The Yukon FX is seriously awesome. I've had mine for a few years and its been everywhere from bike parks (did great at Whistler!) to cross country races and everywhere in between. It's even pretty good at jumping around urban areas.
I do a lot of downhill and cross country riding. The Yukon FX is somewhere in between. It is BY NO MEANS a downhill bike, but it does an excellent job making it down rough trails and jumps. It made it through a week of Whistler like a champion and has since done a great job at other bike parks too.
Mostly though, I ride cross country. The Yukon FX is not as light as more expensive cross-country bikes but it is still very manageable. I ride cross country almost every day and have no problem peddling this to the top of mountains quickly.
Lately, I've been doing a lot of urban riding, jumping off of ledges, stairs, ramps, etc. and the Yukon FX is perfect.
The bike isn't 100% perfect though. The stock components are fairly low quality. The Rockshox Dart failed after about 5 months of hard riding. I upgraded to a Rockshox Sektor and it is so much better. I was not a fan of the stock pedals. The stock disc brakes do a great job, but I've upgraded to hydraulics.
Overall, if you are on a budget but want a great bike that can do anything, the Yukon FX is a good choice. I HIGHLY recommend it.
Strengths: Just gt the bike a month ago and took it for a ride in the parks recently and I am enjoying my ride.
Weaknesses: Shifting is hard sometimes. Shifter skips.
Bottom Line:
Overall, giant Yukon fx is a great bike for a decent money.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Matthew225
a All Mountain Rider
from Saddle Brook, Nj, USA
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2012
Strengths: 2012 Giant Yukon Fx. Great around corners, very nimble, great control. For the money, the bike is excellent. Styling is also a plus as well.
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
I just bought the bike not to long ago. Already took it on two rides that were fairly technical. The bike handled beyond my expectations. I would most definitely recommend this to a friend.
Strengths: Built like a tank. Flies along and handles a lot more abuse than my Anthem X would/does.
Weaknesses: The shock mounts are non-standard so it's difficult to upgrade to a different/better rear shock (I need to get a stepped axle machined to fit a Fox RP). And where the axle goes through the frame at the bottom of the shock only the swingarm has bushes - this means the frame lugs can get worn allowing for some slop in the movement - i got some brass bushes fitted. Otherwise pretty bombproof.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike for my 15yr son as I was myself just getting back into cycling after a 20yr hiatus. It turns out he wasn't so interested. No prob I liked riding it. I tricked it up with some lighter weight stuff over the years and I reckon it is my 'go to bike' when I just need to chill and put in a few hack dirt miles.
I put longer forks on it to make it a little less twitchy on the downs. This gets me in more strife than ever - I try to keep up with the the local DH nuts - and end up crushing my own!:)
Basically it's a fun bike to have around and swap out the components on to make it less like the boat anchor it was when I bought it.
I would recommend for anyone just having a go for the first time. It's so damn cheap that you'll be adding bits to it for ever - that's part of the fun of MTB afterall!
Bike Setup: Current setup is with a 150mm Sektor fork spacered down to 140 and an Airo 2 shock out back. Stylo cranks, bars, stem, seatpost, X7 gears etc, solid axles fitted to standard wheels for going down (although I also have some DT x1800s if I want to do any climbing/XC training). The longer forks give it a bit more BB height and about 69degs - better for descending. Only having 100mm out back seems to be fine for drops as the Airo shock is small can and goes so a steep susp curve but doesn't seem to bottom harshly. All up weight (with DT wheels) ~13kg which is fine for an AM hack (the frame alone is 3.1kg).
Submitted by
rustywagom
a Weekend Warrior
from Ventura CA
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2011
Strengths: Great looking.. Flat out gets the job done
Weaknesses: Still getting use to the seat..
Bottom Line:
I was glaring at the 2011 trance for some time trying to justify 3K on a bike that I was going to beat the hell out of. Than I stumbled on the 2011 Yukon fx. Did some research on the fx knowing that other guys that drop big coin on bikes set the standard on what a bike is or is not. After weighing my options I decided to get the Yukon. My first ride was a mixed road and a single track trek of 20 miles. Loved the ride and preformed great. Second ride was a grueling climb 9 miles to about 2700 feet than a white knuckle master piece reaching speeds I never felt safe at on my previous bikes. I threw everything at this bike and it delivered. In my opinion when a bike gets to light it sacrifices control that is not an issue with the Yukon fx. Do yourself a favor and buy this bike and use the coin for upgrades..
Submitted by
Boaz
a Cross Country Rider
from Wodonga, Vic, Australia
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2011
Strengths: Super cheap dual supention. Tough frame and the rear shock feels so smooth and has never ever ever stuffed up! Light for its price. Very good down hill.I've won gold on this thing! The cable disks are very weak, needed upgading if you want to get serious.
Weaknesses: Low Quality components,The dart front fork can get stuck and it makes up 15% of the bikes total wieght, it can also skweek from time to time. Ive upgraded every single thing on this bike eccept for the shocks and the frame! Very bad uphill.
Bottom Line:
If you save another $1000 you could get a far better bike.
This is cheap and strong but its a very very slow bike almost as slow as a serious All mountain bike with 180mm of travell. I'm stuck riding this bike due to my budget and Ive raced it many times. Great all round bike for casual riders, I'm not a casual rider but I have a low budget.
Bike Setup: Only the frame and shocks are original.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
bloodywings
a Weekend Warrior
from port orange,florida,united states
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2011
Strengths: nice frame,not too heavy, not to light
Weaknesses: tires are rough in soft sand but killer on hard,suspension def upgrade (fronts weak,rear can be used till worn out), components are so-so,white pedals gotta go
Bottom Line:
For the price its a sweet bike,great for someone gettin into mtb and wants to start with a more basic full suspension and upgrade over time, lil cheap on components,lil short on the travel for the suspension, but if u can handle upgrading,bang for the buck, lil rough hittin soft sand with the lack of traction, broke the derailer and threw gearing off first trail i hit,lil clunky on the shifting,overall im pleased,i walked into it knowing i was gonna change out the suspension, tires, pedals, and possibly other components over time,just see how long they can handle it! im stoked
Bike Setup: all stock as of now,front fork on order (rockshox)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathan Leones
a Weekend Warrior
from Quezon City, Philippines
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2011
Strengths: Solid frame and FSA cranks (2010). Rear suspension set up is good for climbing and does not bob under load. Up to the task for a weekend rider.
Weaknesses: Weight. Rear shock leaked a few drops (when adjusted beyond the expected calibration). X-4 rear derailleur will certainly have to be upgraded. DART2 forks a bit on the soft side.
Bottom Line:
Bang for the buck. Good starting point for novices but needs upgrades for more experienced riders. Upgrade as you go. Rear shifting can use improvement but with proper tuning works well. Upgrade the fork and brake and it'll become a less pricey version of an Anthem albeit with a tad more wieght. 2010 version is a real gem (Glad I didn't go for the 2011). A bike is just as good as the manufacturer / dealer / shop that backs it up.
Bike Setup: Stock except for shimano hydraulic brakes that replaced the Hayes cable actuated ones.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
mrdarpino
a Cross Country Rider
from Apollo Beach, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2011
Strengths: Bike does ride smoothly and is quite solid. It is an inexpensive full-suspension bike.
Weaknesses: slow, heavy, not as responsive as I am accustomed to.
Bottom Line:
Coming from riding the Yukon hardtail for a couple years I felt that the Yukon FX full suspension is heavy and does not nearly charge through the trail like its hardtail version. I felt bogged down with a lack of speed, response and the strength that I get on the hardtail.I did notice a significantly smoother ride. Do I trade power,speed and better response for a smoother ride and a butt that isn't sore at the end of a ride? I don't think so. I am sticking with a hardtail. It seems that if you want to get into full suspension then you really need to invest much more money into a better,lighter bike, and equipment.
Similar Products Used: Giant Yukon, Cannondale 400 full suspension, Specialized Hard Rock, Giant Rincon, Trek 9800 full suspension
Bike Setup: standard factory equipment, no upgrades
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
ando227
a Cross Country Rider
from elgin, scotland
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2010
Strengths: Gee whiz where to start? Value! For the money this thing rides superb! The suspension design seems spot on as its compliant, grips and climbs really well without energy sapping bob and theres no hint of the front end lifting even when sat firmly in the saddle. Handles very nicely too, both in fast and slow tight corners. Certainly didn't find it heavy either despite its lower end spec. I expected a reasonable bike, but by eck its a cracker!
Weaknesses: Did change the dart 2 forks for my magura quake cp125 which are still going strong after many years.
The darts were very firm and awkward and felt at odds with the smooth compliant rear suspension.
Bottom Line:
Got to be one of the best buys out there, as it goes up and downhill and round corners as bonny as you like.
Knocked a star off for the original dart forks which do not suit the rest of the bike.
